Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav has resigned from his post.

Yadav, a lawmaker from the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal, submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday, citing the government’s violent response to the Gen Z protests in which 19 young demonstrators were killed on Monday.

In his resignation statement, Yadav said he could not continue in office following the tragic loss of life and the government’s use of force against the country’s youth.

“Supporting the movement of Gen Z youths and opposing the repression carried out by the government and administration, I hereby resign from the post of Minister for Water Supply,” Yadav said. “Dear young brothers and sisters, you are my first companions and the source of my energy. I appeal to everyone to remain calm and to guide and support the youth in the right direction.”

Earlier, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on Monday evening, taking responsibility for the deaths of 19 protesters. Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari also stepped down on Tuesday, following criticism of the government’s heavy-handed actions.